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I am at a loss for my next read-aloud. Normally I have a book chosen months in advance, for specific reasons. But for some reason I am stuck this time. We just finished Sonnenblick’s Drums, Girls, And Dangerous Pie. We begin our Holocaust study in a few weeks, so I am looking for a short read-aloud. I am considering The Entertainer and the Dybbuk, but I don’t want to overwhelm them with Holocaust novels. So I need suggestions from the Kidlitosphere! I am looking for a short book (meaning, no 300 page books this time!). Any genre, though I would prefer to avoid sci-fi/fantasy this time around. Hit me with your best shot!!!

I have also spent the last two days searching for some great professional development opportunities. I have a professional development day left and am dying to use it. Unfortunately, I can’t find anything that seems worthwhile! We are only reimbursed for $50 through the district, so it can’t be something too expensive. I would love a reading/writing workshop PD but there don’t seem to be any in the area. What are some of your best PD experiences??

2 Responses

I am not sure what grade you teach, but my class (grades 3 and 4) read “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” last year. They loved it! It is such a touching story. I used it as a read aloud, but I think the guided reading level is M or N. I would use it up to grade 6, but not before grade 3. There is a lot to talk about in this book: friendship, hope, charity. I think it would be a good lead in to the holocaust unit.

Also, there are some great picture books and poetry books that deal with the Holocaust, such as I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY, THE BUTTERFLY, THE YELLOW STAR: THE LEGEND OF KING CHRISTIAN X OF DENMARK, and more. Hope that helps!